Extreme Babymouse

Holm, J.L., & Holm, M. Extreme Babymouse. (2013). NY: Random House.

Lexile Score: GN240L

Summary: It seems like everyone at school is participating in the extreme sport of snowboarding. Therefore, Babymouse wants to get in on some extreme action, so she asks her mom. Once her mom allows Babymouse to go snowboarding, Babymouse learns a valuable lesson. Just be yourself.

Evaluation: This story has a wonderful storyline for middle aged students, specifically 3^rd- 7^th grade. Must students can relate to this particular conflict of trying so hard to fit in. In the end, the conflict gets resolved and Babymouse learns a valuable lesson of not trying to be like anyone else but yourself. The main character, Babymouse, doesn’t reflect a variety of cultural groups because she is a mouse, but she does, however, break the gender stereotype by snowboarding and wanting to try many extreme tasks. Students can really look up to her as a role model.

These values are definitely being explored instead of preached. There are also a variety of settings including Babymouse’s house, her school, and the slopes. There are diverse populations within the text in that there are other animals besides mice including a cat and dog and others. The story can definitely encourage discussions based off of the lessons learned, the settings, and the storyline. There are several things that can be questioned, thought about, and considered.

Literary Elements: Tone- humorous/not serious

Theme-Sometimes it’s not good to be like everybody else. Be yourself.

Onomatopoeia- swoosh, clap, pop, slam, and many more.

Mini lesson: I would have a mini lesson about onomatopoeias since there are sound words on every page. I would give my students a sound and they would have to write down what that sounds makes them think of first. They must then imagine that sound and put it with an item. They could also try and write down as many sound words as they can think of.  

Target Audience: 3^rd-7^th grade because it’s a graphic novel and has a storyline that appeals to middle school/ junior high school students.